Justification:
Listed as Vulnerable applying Criterion B1ab(iii,v), as this species' global extent of occurrence is considered to be less than 20,000 km2 (although a more precise figure is not possible), it is known from fewer than 10 locations defined by threats from development and exploitation, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of this lizard's habitat due to coastal development and decline in mature individuals to to collection for the pet trade. Additionally, rampant coastal development is increasingly threatening the northern half of this species' narrow coastal distribution range; almost total transformation of this coastal strip is expected in the coming decade and certainly within the next 19.5 years (three generations), with a corresponding population decline expected to exceed 30% over this time period which is made even worse by the collection for the pet trade, and it therefore also qualifies as Vulnerable applying Criterion A3cd.

This species occurs along the coast of western North Africa. It ranges from the environs of Agadir in Morocco, south through coastal Western Sahara, to Cap Blanc in Mauritania. A record from further south, Dakar in Senegal, represents an erroneous locality, and there are no confirmed records of this species from Senegal (Ineich et al. 1998, Padial 2006). It is a coastal lowland species that occurs up to 20 km from the coast, and from 0-100 m asl.

This species is thought to be declining, particularly in the Moroccan part of its range where it is threatened by ongoing coastal development. Almost total transformation of this coastal strip is expected in the coming decade and certainly within the next 19.5 years (three generations). Since the population density is historically evenly distributed along the coast, this is expected to lead to a population decline close to or possibly exceeding 30%. Volumes in the pet trade have declined; it is not known whether this reflects a reduction in demand or whether animals are becoming harder to find.

This species is found in succulent vegetation on sandy and stony soil in coastal areas, dunes where shelters are available, and rocky plateaus with refuges. It invariably occurs within several kilometres of the ocean, where humidity is high (Trape et al. 2012). In the north of its range, it is particularly associated with low-lying beaches. This nocturnal gecko feeds on small arthropods (Trape et al. 2012). The female lays between four and five clutches of one to two eggs per year. The eggs are buried in sand.

This species is threatened in Morocco (almost a third of its range) by urbanization and fragmentation of its coastal habitats; development is ongoing in this area and imminent expansion of development activities threatens areas not currently under pressure. As a result, almost total transformation of this coastal strip is expected in the coming decade. Storm surges are expected to become more violent as sea levels rise, potentially exposing low-lying beaches to regular flooding that may render them unsuitable for the lizard's persistence. It is also hit by vehicles along the roads. This species is commonly traded in relatively large numbers, and access to sites where the gecko occurs is facilitated by a road running the length of the coastal and near-coastal strip of Morocco and Western Sahara.

It exists in protected areas in Morocco, in the Banc d'Arguin National Park in Mauritania, and probably in other reserves elsewhere in its range. However, most of its range remains outside protected areas, and is likely to be threatened by development; controls on development are urgently required. Research to determine population size and trade volumes are essential to determine the impacts of harvesting on this species.